Bi-directional Power Converter Circuit Topology

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bi-directional power converters require intact circuits for both power chargers and inverters, leading to increased size and power wastage due to asymmetric input/output power conversion.

Innovation Solution

A bi-directional power converter design comprising multiple converters and a power driver, controlled by a processor, which performs AC-DC and DC-AC conversions with only three power transitions, reducing circuit size and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional bi-directional power converter uses intact circuits for both power charger and power inverter, then bidirectional power conversion function is achieved, but circuit size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebidirectional power conversion functionVSAvoidcircuit size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power charger circuit and power inverter circuit into a single integrated circuit structure. The same circuit can operate in both AC-DC conversion mode (power charger function) and DC-AC conversion mode (power inverter function) by controlling the switch states of power devices, eliminating the need for separate intact circuits for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs a universal circuit that performs multiple functions - it can convert AC to DC (power charger function) and convert DC to AC (power inverter function) using the same circuit components. This multi-functionality is achieved through controlled switching of power devices to enable bidirectional power flow and conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If conventional bi-directional power converter uses asymmetric input/output power conversion, then circuit design is simplified, but additional power is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit design complexityVSAvoidpower wastage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses the asymmetric power conversion issue by implementing symmetric power handling capabilities in the circuit design. The power charger and power inverter functions are designed to handle equal power levels, ensuring that input power equals output power in both conversion directions, thereby eliminating unnecessary power wastage while maintaining circuit design efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional bi-directional power converter requires both intact power charger and power inverter circuits, then full bidirectional conversion capability is achieved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebidirectional conversion capabilityVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the power charger circuit and power inverter circuit into one integrated circuit, reducing the total number of components needed. This merging approach maintains full bidirectional conversion capability while reducing device cost by eliminating redundant components and simplifying the overall circuit structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal circuit that performs both AC-DC and DC-AC conversion functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function. This multi-functionality reduces component count and manufacturing complexity, thereby lowering device cost while maintaining complete bidirectional conversion capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution achieves high power conversion efficiency (>85%) with reduced circuit size and power consumption by enabling efficient bidirectional power conversion with equal power handling capabilities for both AC and DC terminals.

Implementation Method 1

a first converter 10 and a second converter 11 are respectively used for performing power conversion between a first alternating current IAC1 and a first direct current IDC1, and power conversion between a second alternating current IAC2 and the first direct current IDC1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRectification:

Implementation Method 2

a power driver 12 is used for performing power conversion between the second alternating current IAC2 and a second direct current IDC2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInversion:

Data Source

PatentUS9825550B1Bi-directional power converter for converting power between alternating current and direct current

Publication Date: 2017.11.21 COTEK ELECTRONICS INDAL

AI summary

A bi-directional power converter includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, a fourth terminal, a first converter, a second converter, a power driver, and a processor. The first converter is coupled to the first terminal and the second terminal for performing a conversion between a first alternating current and a first direct current. The second converter is coupled to the first converter for performing a conversion between a second alternating current and the first direct current. The power driver is coupled to the second converter, the third terminal and the fourth terminal for performing a conversion between the second alternating current and a second direct current. The processor is coupled to the first converter, the second converter, and the power driver for controlling the first converter, the second converter, and the power driver.